Corporate Governance

Former Supervalu and Canadian Tire executive Wayne Sales was named to the board of directors at Toys “R” Us to fill a position vacated by Michael Calbert.

Calbert had served on the Toys “R” Us board since 2005 and the company noted his departure did not involve any disagreement. Calbert also serves on the board of Dollar General and earlier this year resigned from KKR & Co.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group Inc. has opened a 50-store expansion of Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon, California. Desert Hills now has 180 stores.

Phoenix -- Leslie's Poolmart, Inc. said it will grand-open 20 retail locations throughout the U.S. on April 25; stores will open in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

In total, Leslie's plans to open 45 new stores this year, between April and May of 2014.

The National Retail Federation’s ongoing effort to highlight the industry’s value and career opportunities have been expanded with two new initiatives.

Overstock.com promoted Seth Marks to SVP of merchandising and strategic sourcing. The promotion was in conjunction with the online shopping site’s first-quarter results for the period ended March 31.

Marks has been with the company since 2013, serving as VP of sales and special acquisitions.

"Seth brings a wealth of experience to this position from his previous work in liquidation and retail channel markets. He continually makes great contributions in securing the best deals for our customers," CEO Patrick M. Byrne said.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Safeway reported a net loss of $76.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to net earnings of $118.9 million in the same period a year earlier. The company is working toward closing its $9.4 billion merger with Albertson’s by the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin’ Brands Group, parent to Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, said its banners were impacted by tough weather in the first quarter, with U.S. comparable store sales growth of just 1.2%. Net income for the quarter dipped 3.5% from $23.8 million to $23 million. Revenue rose 6.2%.

A Walmart initiative begun a year ago to offer an online assortment of products from small women-owned businesses has expanded to the retailer’s stores.